Meditation: "Justice and Family Friction"

For Dallas UMC folks, this is a re-print of my article in the September 2013 newsletter.
-----
“Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead to bring division. From now on, a household of five will be divided—three against two and two against three. Father will square off against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law…” Luke 12:51-53 (CEB)

So much for so-called Christian family values.

These words of Jesus are confusing. He is, after all, the Prince of Peace, the one who calms storms, the holy child “meek and mild” born that silent night of long ago.

But they make sense to me when I think about a little piece of my own family’s past. The 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington (originally known as the “March for Jobs and Justice”) was August 28, 1963. My father, 22 years old at the time, was there. He’d graduated from college the spring before and was heading off to Yale Divinity School. Dad was deeply committed to civil rights (still is). And I know that his Christian convictions were one reason, maybe the reason, that he cared about civil rights. Unfortunately, my grandparents, his future in-laws, were not quite so enamored with Dr. King and the people in our country who were calling for an end to segregation and greater justice for minorities. To avoid telling private family stories, let’s just say that my father’s involvement in the civil rights movement—such as it was—caused a measure of friction within the family.

One common misunderstanding of Christianity is that it is a private religion that should only focus on individual salvation. But it’s very clear that Jesus wasn’t focused only on individuals. He came to usher in the “Kingdom of God” which was about building a community of people faithful to the love, grace, and justice of God. Dr. King called this “the Beloved community.” Sometimes a deep commitment to Jesus’ vision for the world causes tension, even conflict, with friends and family who cannot understand why someone’s commitment to Jesus might cause them to march or protest or get arrested.

One of the remarkable things about the March on Washington was how peaceful it was. There was an expectation of violence and chaos on the part of many who were suspicious of the motives of the organizers of the march. Afterwards, there was broad recognition—even among detractors—that the march had been peaceful and, therefore, powerful in promoting its message of economic justice and racial equality.

I have a deep respect for the Christians who—motivated by their commitment to the way of Jesus—put their lives on the line for justice and fairness in the world, even if it causes tension within their own family.

And I’m proud of my Dad, who marched on Washington 50 years ago for “jobs and justice” and heard with his own ears those famous words of Dr. King, “I have a dream…”

Grace and Peace,

Jeremy

Meditation: "Thankful For What?!"

What do we have, brothers and sisters, that has not been given to us? All is grace. All is given. Who gave me this hand? Who wiggles these fingers? Who created these eyes which I cannot explain or understand? I cannot even make this hair grow. It is all gift. From beginning to end, everything is grace, everything is given.

--Richard Rohr

*****
Dear Friends,

In honor of Thanksgiving, I share this short video (produced by the great folks at "The Work of the People"). It's a humorous parody of a tradition many families observe on Thanksgiving Day that goes something like this: "Let's go around the table and have everyone name something they are thankful for."

For me, this video is a reminder not to slip into superficiality as I consider that for which I am thankful. And, even more, it's a reminder that, ultimately, all my gratitude and thanks ought to find its way to God, the source of all goodness and blessing.

Happy Thanksgiving!



Blessings, Jeremy

Meditation: "Staying Connected to the Source"

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. --Psalm 42
 
The fulness of life is in the hazards of life. --Edith Hamilton

***
Dear Friends,

About six weeks ago I did something foolish. I headed out for a run on a Friday afternoon on a scorching hot day. It was in the upper 80's on this particular Friday. Actually, going for the run wasn't foolish. I don't mind running in hot weather. What was foolish was not thinking about where I would have access to water along the way.

As I headed out, I felt really great and thought I might go farther than the 3 or so miles I intended to run. And so I altered my route accordingly, not taking into account the need for water. But it didn't take long for me to realize that I was going to be thirsty, very thirsty, before I made it home. This is when I began kicking myself for venturing out in the heat so cavalierly and even pushing myself to go farther than prudent given the weather.

As I've thought about this, I recognize that this is how we approach life at times--occasionally with unfortunate results! Sometimes we go rushing into life, full of our plans and ambitions, without remembering that we need to stay close to the source of our life, to that which nourishes and sustains us. We can rush forward so quickly that we aren't always mindful of our limits, of ensuring that our path will pass near to sources of God's life-giving Spirit. To put it differently, sometimes we can get too far out in front of God, and then the thirst hits! It's good to push our limits, to steer away from complacency. (I heard someone say this morning that the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth!) We shouldn't fear to venture boldly into our lives. God is with us! But it can also be very wise to pace ourselves and be intentional about connecting with God the source and wellspring of our life.

Interestingly, on this run I passed by the homes of four people from my congregation. As thirsty as I was, did I stop to ask for water? No, I toughed it out and ran all the way home before I had any water to drink. I may have reached my goal that day had I simply asked for help. I'm confident water would have been offered, a symbol for God's nourishment and sustenance as I ran my race.

May you move through your days near to and connected to the source of your life--God. And when you venture forth into something new, may you have the grace to seek God's help--in whatever form it presents itself!

Blessings, Jeremy